Proposed limo bylaw concern for businessman

Driving Ms Daisy

(PETERBOROUGH) A new bylaw legislating limousine services in Peterborough could put one company out of business.
Bob Doornenball, with Driving Miss Daisy, says if changes aren’t made to the current bylaw structure, he will be forced to cease operations. His company transports seniors and the physically disabled to appointments.
“We are a through the door accompaniment service,” explains Mr. Doornenball.
“We help them get their shoes and coats on and in some cases get them into wheelchairs. We also go to medical appointments with them and take notes for the family.”
The new bylaw will force Mr. Doornenball to insure his fleet as limousines instead of service vehicles. He currently pays around $3,000 to insure two vehicles for a year. Mr. Doornenball says that premium will increase to $15,000 if the bylaw, as it stands now, is passed by the Peterborough Lakefield Police Service Board.
“It will put us out of business. We can’t afford to charge seniors limo rates,” says Mr. Doornenball.
The local police services board held a special meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 29) to discuss the issue. The bylaw received first and second reading. A vote will be held at the next board meeting on Feb. 12.
Mr. Doornenball told board members of his plight. He says they were sympathetic to the problem he is facing and adds they are looking at making some amendments to the bylaw so his company won’t be classified the same as a limousine service. Police Chief Murray Rodd says Mr. Doornenball will be given a chance to provide the board with documents pertaining to his potential insurance increase, adding the board will consider the implications and will look at creating another category in the bylaw. However Chief Rodd says the bylaw is something almost every other municipality in Ontario has and will only make the limousine industry safer.
“It’s to ensure drivers are free of incumbents in terms of criminal behaviour and ensure vehicles are mechanically fit and insured,” says Chief Rodd.
The new bylaw will require limousine operators to provide proof the limousine is in good mechanical order before licences are issued. Operators will pay an annual broker fee of $150, plus an additional annual vehicle license fee of $50. An application for a new limousine driver’s licence will be $100 and the annual renewal fee for the licence will be $50.
“Our intent is not to make money. Our intent is to make sure public safety is being considered,” says Chief Rodd.
Don Basso, owner of Basso Limousine Service in Peterborough, has no qualms with the new bylaw. He says his fleet is already insured and the additional fees won’t be an issue. He adds he prides himself on making sure his vehicles are safe for passengers.
”The customers in the back want to know they are secure and safe,” says Mr. Basso.
“(The new bylaw) will give credibility to the business.”